Despite doubts of the talent they had available, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich led Team USA to a 102-86 win over Australia on Wednesday.
Team USA led by only one point at halftime and after a slow start team captain Kemba Walker finished with the game-high 23 points. The two teams will meet again on Friday.
Andrew Bogut droppin' dimes to Patty Mills for @BasketballAus! #FIBAWC
End of Q3 in Melbourne:
?? 76
?? 61?: @NBATV
??: https://t.co/HbtDcrFgfZ pic.twitter.com/HyNBodePhC— NBA (@NBA) August 22, 2019
“I’m one of the leaders of this team it’s important for me to set that tone,” Walker said in the post-game interview.
The Indiana Pacers’ Myles Turner also had a strong performance with a double-double. Turner scored 15 points and grabbed 14 boards for Team USA. Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz added 13 points and 3 assists. Australia was led by former Spurs guard Patty Mills who scored the team-high 19 points in the loss.
Back-court connection… Donovan Mitchell threads the needle to Kemba Walker for two! #USABMNT #USAGotGame
?? 54
?? 45?: @NBATV
??: https://t.co/HbtDcrFgfZ pic.twitter.com/cNCnJh610f— NBA (@NBA) August 22, 2019
A reported more than 50,000 fans came out to see the two National teams compete in Melbourne, Australia.
Jayson Tatum lobs it up for the Jaylen Brown throw-down! #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/EYwLOM8L4H
— NBA (@NBA) August 22, 2019
